Why You Should Visit Reykjav�

Iceland is a remarkable island nation that offers a wealth of history, culture, nightlife and natural beauty. This past August I spent three days in the world's most northerly capital of Reykjavík, which is only about a four and a half hour flight from New York City. Of all the remarkable places in the world I have seen, Reykjavík was the one that captivated me from the moment the plane began it's decent over what looked like the moon. Over the next few minutes I hope to offer an intriguing look at Iceland's capital that reaches out beyond the reputation of Vikings and their alternative pop music singer, Björk.

The first reason I would suggest going there has little to do with Iceland itself. While it's fun to chat with the many, many people who have been to more popular destinations like Paris and London, there is a whole new level of excitement being one of the few people who have been to Iceland. It certainly has been a great conversation piece for me. Also, it is one of only two countries where you can get a flight to Greenland. So if you are like me, and try to take the road less traveled, Iceland may just be the place!

The second reason is that the capital city of Reykjavík is very solo-traveler friendly. While it is always fun to travel with friends, Reykjavík is a small city, completely navigable by foot that is better to explore at your own pace. A person can spend hours wondering aimlessly down the streets and never get bored. Every corner you turn reveals breathtaking views of the sea, mountains and colorful buildings, seldom rising above just a few stories. The vibrant, almost tropical looking colors are juxtaposed against the cool, brisk artic air.

Iceland also has an extremely high ratio of museums per capita. With a population just under 300,000, I was shocked at the endless list of museums. They offer everything from a photography museum, fine art museums, historical galleries, a museum featuring work from a labor union, a natural history museum and the list goes on.

About thirty minutes from Reykjavík is the famous Blue Lagoon. I hesitated to go, fearing it would be a tourist trap. However, my Icelandic friend took me there and assured me that she goes with her friends often, as do many locals. Being such a small country, there really are no "tourist traps." I was lucky enough to have a friend to ride with to the Blue Lagoon, but it is easily accessible from the city center via bus from most hotels and the main bus terminal.

The Blue Lagoon is a natural hot spring. The water is as blue as its name suggests and the water is packed with natural minerals, excellent for the skin. Temperature is no object, as people bathe in the Blue Lagoon in all types of weather. My friend and I got there in what we thought was warm weather. No sooner did we change clothes, did the temperature plummet. We ran into the lagoon and lazed around for hours in the naturally heated water. The drive to the Lagoon is an adventure in itself. The drive takes you through endless moss-covered lava fields, with mountains painting the backdrop. After arriving at the Lagoon the view remains awe-inspiring.

Back in the city, you will be greeted with fine dining and an endless selection of bars and nightclubs. In the summertime, the sun glows all through the night, and if you are lucky you will catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis. I lucked into a 10 second glimpse of the Northern Lights as the veil of clouds opened up just long enough to see this natural wonder. A string of multi-colored lights marked the deep blue midnight sky.

For a full, panoramic view of Reykjavík, you must visit Hallgrim's Church. While you may find only tourists at the top of the steeple, it certainly is no "trap." It offers a view of the domestic airport, the entire city and both coastlines of the city peninsula. It's a great place to stop and take a breath while admiring the city, or a great place for getting a postcard-like photo.

Lastly, I would suggest visiting Iceland to find a little corner of the Earth to call your own. One thing I enjoyed about the city is that there were so many little isolated corners to just sit and enjoy the vast artic scenery. One spot in particular offered me sanctuary every night just a few steps from my hotel. Next to the domestic airport and a huge field, I spent many late nights enjoying the glow of the midnight sun, watching kids practice soccer and getting a front row seat to all the planes landing and taking off. It was right on the water, and the perfect artistic inspiration for my nomadic heart. I encourage you to go and discover your own little piece of the great north in the city of Reykjavík.